Insect Jewellery Kaleidoscope. Brooch. Gold, diamonds, pearls, opal. 1879

Insects in jewelry existed at all times, but the real fashion for them began in the early XIX century with the development of the natural sciences. Since then, bugs, butterflies, ants, ladybirds, dragonflies and spiders forever became one of the most popular images in jewelry, and still virtually all known fashion houses have their precious insectarium, replenished from time to time with new swatches. Jewelers of XIX century not just used images of insects, but almost copied the mother nature and always had a naturalistic albums with sketches of insects and ordered sketches from entomologists. Actually brooches and necklaces of XIX century would be correct to call the “entomological”.
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Scottish Luckenbooth brooch

Luckenbooth brooch is an ancient symbol of Scotland, and a traditional symbol of love and fidelity. The brooch received its name from the small shops – luckenbooths, located near the Cathedral of St. Giles. In Luckenbooths sold jewelry and other handicraft products of the XVI century. The first brooches were very small in size. It was believed that they could protect people from the evil eye and the influence of evil forces. Also stated that they could help new mothers, nursing mothers and infants.
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